What are some common causes of a stomach ache?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Stomach aches are a common symptom with a wide range of causes, including digestive issues (such as indigestion, gas, or constipation), infections (like stomach flu or food poisoning), food intolerances, stress, or reactions to certain medications or substances. Some causes are mild and resolve on their own, while others may signal a condition that needs medical attention.

Because so many factors can trigger stomach pain, identifying the likely cause is the first step toward relief. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your discomfort and guide you on the best next steps—saving you time, worry, and unnecessary guesswork.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Stomach aches are common and can happen for various reasons. Here are some frequent causes:

Digestive Problems: Issues like indigestion or constipation can lead to stomach pain. Sometimes, the stomach doesn't empty properly, a condition known as gastroparesis, which can also cause discomfort.
Infections: Bacteria or viruses can infect the stomach or intestines, leading to pain and discomfort. This is often referred to as gastroenteritis.
Toxic Substances: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins can cause stomach pain. This may happen if someone ingests something harmful by accident.

Understanding the cause of a stomach ache can help in finding the right treatment. If you're experiencing stomach pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, you can use our free AI-powered symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes. If the pain is severe or doesn't go away, it's important to seek medical advice.

(References)

Yew KS, George MK, & Allred HB. (2023). Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Diagnosis. American family physician, 37327158.
Cherian D, Sachdeva P, Fisher RS, & Parkman HP. (2010). Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom of gastroparesis. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 20472097.
Mueller PD, & Benowitz NL. (1989). Toxicologic causes of acute abdominal disorders. Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 2663462.

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